A project that has saved Dorset businesses more than £200,000 has been nationally recognised.

The Dorset County Council-funded scheme, run by the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), has helped more than 75 local businesses to identify leaks from compressed air equipment.

The project gave training to the businesses on using the compressed air leak detectors and a free loan of the equipment.

The £20,000 project also saved emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) totalling 11.3 tonnes.

The scheme has won the local Energy catalyst category in the ENDS Green Economy Awards. This class celebrates projects that help businesses reduce their environmental impact, make savings and improve efficiency.

Coun Hilary Cox, Cabinet member for environment, said: “It is fantastic that the partnership between the county council and DCCI has been recognised in this way. We will continue to support this award-winning initiative. We have allocated funding to Dorset Chamber for another 10 surveys to be offered out this month.”

Shirley Ewart, business development manager at Dorset Chamber of Commerce & Industry who project managed the initiative, said: “We could only achieve these breakthrough improvements in energy efficiency across Dorset as we were awarded a grant via the council and I am delighted we had the chance to showcase our fabulous county at national level.” There are a limited number of free surveys still available.

Any business interested should contact the DCCI for more details.